Buffet Dining at Cabalen in SM Megamall

Cabalen literally translates to a fellow Capampangan, is a group of casual – fine dining restaurants known for authentic Capampangan dishes and different Filipino specialties, originating from Pampanga.

Pampanga is known as the “ Culinary Capital ” of the country with every town boast of at least one specialty food .

Bringhe

Bringhe is a localized Capampangan version of the Spanish paella , Its closest local variation is the arroz de valenciana . One MUST Try this regional dish .

different regional dishes from the country

History :

Cabalen family started in 1974 in San Fernando, Pampanga as a small Bahay Pasalubong Restaurant selling specialty food dishes, then grew into a restaurant called “Ituro Mo, Iluto Ko”. In 1986, the first Cabalen Eat-all-you-Can, Eat-all-you-Want Restaurant was opened in West Avenue, Quezon City that ushered the expansion .to more outlets.

different kinds of popular Asian dishes

This is not my first time in this restaurant , We would normally dine at least once every quarter at Cabalen– West Avenue branch and Fairview branches . Whenever we have international delegates or participants , Our team would normally dine-in at those branches. We find the restaurant appealing and accessible combined with Filipino hospitality and ambiance to our guests.

Yam Pha Duk Fu is called Crispy Catfish Flakes in Shredded Mangoes with Onions , This is sometimes called Catfish Flakes Salad or Catfish Mango Salad. This salad had a moderate taste compared to its Thai counterparts . The spiciness of the salad had been adjusted to cater the Filipino taste.

crispy pata

Crispy Pata – This is one of the best sellers at the restaurant, The crispy pata is best accompanied with liver sauce or a combination of vinegar and soy dip with chopped chilies.

Ginataang Kuhol or ( Freshwater snails cooked in coconut milk ) . Freshness and proper way of cooking snails with spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric, kangkong and topped with red chili pepper. Makes a visit to this restaurant worthwhile. snails if not properly prepared and cooked would leave some undesirable taste ” lasang gilik” muddy after taste.

Tapang Kalabaw

Tapang Kalabaw ( Tapang Damulag or Pindang Damulag) A type of marinated salt cured beef jerky in sweet and sour taste. This one is different from the one we have tasted in other parts of Pampanga province. Since the origin of the tapa is from San Fernando , It had a sharper taste and more vinegar .

Dessert Table

We love the do-it- yourself (DIY ) halo-halo with over half a dozen kinds of ingredients available . One can also add some slices of fresh fruits like water melon or pineapple . Guinomis / Ginomis is also a simple but very authentic .

The shaved ice is not coarse , young and adults will surely like to make their own mix.

Bulalo soup – This is not offered in the regular buffet , but one must also try the balalo in their menu. What i liked about the Bulalo soup is that vegetables are not overly cooked , they stay their crispiness and color.

For regular Filipino buffet – the cost of buffet is just Php 298.00 plus 12% VAT , While Filipino-Asian buffet cost Php 398.00 ( offered in 3 branches ) Just try to add Php 60.00 for bottomless drink. What a big way to eat and share the experience with the entire family or barkadas.

There is also an ongoing in-house promotion of the restaurant for individuals, companies who would like to pre-booked their events at their branches for this season . There are some exciting prices and freebies in for those who will avail . For more information and bookings, Please try to visit the Cabalen FB page and website for announcement.